Realizations and the Rock

Today I have realized that skipping breakfast ruins my day. Another thing that has come to my realization is that college is very different from high school. Although I have heard this statement many times before, I have realized it now. 

Even for my class, I have realized many important things today. It is very important for me to study and prepare for laboratory experiments earlier than the day they are performed. I also need to make a mindset of assessing experiments and analyzing outcomes. These realizations came as my day progressed. 

Although I overslept half an hour and skipped breakfast, I was on time for my class. Today I started an experiment called DNA Restriction Analysis. I prepared a restriction digest, in which restriction enzymes from bacteria were added to a DNA solution to cut DNA strands in fragments. This was done in preparation for tomorrow when we will run a gel electrophoresis. Tomorrow we will actually be able to see DNA fragments. 

After working in the lab, my classmates and I proceeded to the lecture room. Ms. Hall gave us some tips for working in the lab and how mistakes that were often made could be avoided. She explained the analysis of yesterday's lab and today's lab. After the explanations, I had a far better understanding of what went on during the experiments that I performed yesterday and today. I started making connections to what I already know about DNA to what I have learned. I also realized I need to start studying earlier and review the concepts as much as I can. 

After my class ended, I had lunch at the V-Dub. Then I headed towards The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, also known as the Rock. The library is air-conditioned, nicely organized, comfortable, and quiet. I enjoyed studying at the Rock and hope to go there more often even though it is almost all the way across the campus. 

The Rock.

In the evening, I met with Ms. Maher and went to have dinner with her niece, Emily, and Emily's husband, Ryan. I enjoyed telling them about Brown and my experiences being a college student. 

After dinner, I came back to my dorm and chatted with my friends. 

I look forward to tomorrow for running the gel electrophoresis experiment and going to fun workshops.